Here’s what Preston Hollow neighbor Don Henley said in a statement about the death of Kenny Rogers March 20 at the age of 81: “Fifty years ago, The Gambler took a gamble on me and my first band from small-town Texas, and his big-hearted support launched many careers, including mine.

“He also gave me some of the best career advice I ever got: ‘You’d better be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you’re going to meet those same people on the way back down.’

“Kenny had been struggling with a number of health issues for some time. He fought the good fight for as long as he could, but he was tired, and he was ready to make his exit. I’m just grateful that I got to visit with him in the hospital, about six weeks ago, and convey my gratitude to him for all he did for me.

“RIP, my friend. Thanks for all the gladness you gave us.”

Apparently, the two met in a boutique shop on McKinney Avenue in 1968, when Henley was in a band called Felicity, according to the Dallas Morning News. After hearing the band play in Linden, Rogers invited them to stay at his house in LA, record in the studio and make a single. Rogers went on to mentor Henley. You can read the full story about their friendship here.